If you’re looking to expand your crochet skills and add a beautiful, intricate pattern to your repertoire, then this African Flower Square Tutorial is perfect for you.
The African flower square is a stunning crochet motif that combines texture, color, and symmetry to create a visually captivating design. Whether you’re planning to make a blanket, pillow cover, or even a bag, the African flower square is versatile and can be adapted for various projects.
The African Flower Square pattern is loved by many because of its geometric appeal and the fact that it’s beginner-friendly while still offering enough complexity to keep more advanced crocheters engaged.
Its striking floral shape at the center is a unique feature, making it stand out from other crochet squares. Plus, with the ability to play with color combinations, this square can be customized to suit any style or purpose.
In this African Flower Square Tutorial, we will guide you through each step of the process, from choosing the right yarn to piecing together your final creation.
Whether you’re new to crocheting or an experienced crafter, this tutorial will provide all the information you need to create your very own African flower square.
1. Materials Needed for Your African Flower Square
Before diving into the African Flower Square Tutorial, it’s important to gather all the necessary materials. Having everything on hand will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
First, choose your yarn. This square pattern looks best when you use contrasting colors to highlight the flower shape. Opt for at least three colors: one for the flower’s center, one for the petals, and one for the background or border. You can use cotton or acrylic yarn, depending on the project you’re working on. A DK or worsted weight yarn is a popular choice for this pattern, as it gives the square a good structure without being too bulky.
Next, you’ll need a crochet hook that corresponds with your yarn weight. For DK weight yarn, a 4mm crochet hook is a good option, while for worsted weight yarn, you may prefer a 5mm hook. Be sure to check the label on your yarn for the recommended hook size.
Additional tools you’ll need include scissors, a yarn needle for weaving in ends, and stitch markers if you like to keep track of your rounds. Having a blocking mat can also be helpful to ensure your squares are evenly shaped, especially if you plan to join multiple squares together.
Finally, make sure you have a comfortable workspace with good lighting, especially since the African Flower Square involves several rounds and color changes.
2. Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Crochet the African Flower Square
Now that you have your materials ready, it’s time to begin the African Flower Square Tutorial. This square is worked in rounds, and each round brings out the shape and definition of the flower.
- Start with a Magic Ring: To begin your African flower square, create a magic ring. This technique allows you to crochet in the round while being able to tighten the center ring for a neat finish. If you’re unfamiliar with the magic ring, you can also chain four stitches and join them into a loop with a slip stitch.
- Round 1 – The Center of the Flower: In the magic ring, chain three (which counts as your first double crochet), and then work 7 more double crochets into the ring, for a total of 8 stitches. Close the round with a slip stitch into the top of the chain-3. This forms the flower’s center.
- Round 2 – Forming the Petals: In this round, we’ll create the first row of petals. Start by chaining two (counts as the first half-double crochet), then work 1 half-double crochet, 1 double crochet, 1 half-double crochet into the same stitch. Skip one stitch, and repeat the petal pattern in every other stitch around. You should have four petals by the end of the round.
- Round 3 – Expanding the Petals: In this round, we’ll add another layer to the petals to make them fuller. Work one double crochet, one treble crochet, and one double crochet into the top of each petal from the previous round. This creates a more rounded and textured look for each petal. Slip stitch to join the round.
- Round 4 – Creating the Background: Now that the flower is formed, we’ll begin working on the background. Switch to your background color and work a series of single crochets in the spaces between the petals. This round helps transition the flower into the square shape.
- Round 5 – Squaring the Circle: To transform the flower into a square, we need to crochet chain spaces and corner stitches. In each corner, work three double crochets, chain two, and three double crochets. Along the sides, crochet evenly spaced double crochets to fill in the gaps. By the end of this round, you’ll have your African flower fully enclosed in a square.
3. Color Combinations and Variations
One of the most exciting aspects of the African Flower Square Tutorial is the opportunity to play with colors. Since the square is made up of multiple layers, each round is a chance to introduce a new color, creating a vibrant and striking design.
If you prefer a traditional look, opt for bold, contrasting colors like deep blues and bright yellows. For a more modern or minimalist approach, you can use neutral tones such as white, gray, and beige. The key to making the African flower square pop is to choose colors that highlight the petal shapes while still coordinating with the background color.
Another great way to personalize your square is by changing the yarn texture. Using a combination of cotton and wool, for instance, can add a unique texture to your square, making it even more visually interesting.
In addition to color variations, you can also modify the size of your African flower square by changing the yarn weight or hook size. A larger hook and thicker yarn will result in a bigger square, perfect for blankets, while a smaller hook and lighter yarn can make delicate squares for accessories like bags or scarves.
4. Joining Your African Flower Squares
After completing several African flower squares, the next step in this African Flower Square Tutorial is to join them together. Whether you’re making a blanket, pillow, or something else entirely, there are several methods for joining the squares.
- Slip Stitch Join: One of the easiest and most seamless ways to join your African flower squares is with a slip stitch. Lay two squares side by side with the right sides facing out, and slip stitch through the back loops of each stitch along the edge. This creates a flat seam that doesn’t distract from the squares themselves.
- Whipstitch Join: If you prefer hand sewing, a whipstitch is a quick and effective method for joining squares. Simply place the squares with right sides together and whipstitch through both loops of each stitch along the edge. Once done, flip the squares back to the right side, and you’ll have an invisible seam.
- Join-as-you-go: This technique involves joining squares while you’re still working on the final round. Instead of slip stitching into the same square, you’ll slip stitch into the adjacent square, joining them as you crochet. This method is perfect for larger projects like blankets.
- Crochet Border Join: For a more decorative look, you can join the squares with a crochet border. After laying your squares in the desired arrangement, crochet a single or double crochet border around each square, joining them together at the corners.
By the end of this step, you’ll have a beautifully cohesive project, whether it’s a cozy throw or a decorative pillow cover.
FAQ
1. Is the African Flower Square suitable for beginners?
Yes, the African Flower Square Tutorial is suitable for beginners who are familiar with basic crochet stitches like double crochet and slip stitches. The pattern is easy to follow, and the repetitive nature of the rounds makes it beginner-friendly.
2. Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?
Absolutely! While DK or worsted weight yarn is most commonly used, you can experiment with different yarn weights to achieve different effects. Just make sure to adjust your hook size accordingly.
3. How many squares do I need for a blanket?
The number of squares needed depends on the size of your blanket. For a standard throw blanket, you’ll need approximately 30-40 squares. For a smaller baby blanket, 16-20 squares should suffice.
4. Can I block my African flower squares?
Yes, blocking your squares is recommended, especially if you plan to join them together. Blocking helps even out the stitches and ensures that all your squares are the same size before joining.
5. What can I make with the African flower square?
The African flower square is incredibly versatile. You can use it to create blankets, pillows, bags, scarves, and even clothing items like vests and ponchos. The possibilities are endless!
6. How do I care for my finished African flower project?
To care for your finished project, follow the washing instructions on your yarn label. In general, cotton and acrylic yarns can be machine washed on a gentle cycle and air-dried or tumble-dried on low heat.
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Conclusion
This African Flower Square Tutorial offers a step-by-step guide to creating one of the most beautiful and versatile crochet squares. With its intricate flower design and customizable options for color and size, it’s no wonder the African flower square is a favorite among crocheters. By following this tutorial, you’ll be able to create your own unique squares and turn them into a stunning project.
We hope this tutorial has inspired you to try making your own African flower squares. Please share your thoughts, feedback, and any suggestions for future tutorials in the comments below. Happy crocheting!
